Defense and Special Teams Units are the most volatile, unreliable fantasy position in fantasy sports today. Those who wasted a 9th round pick on “stud” DST Jacksonville can’t be pleased (yours truly had one share, unfortunately). Unless you foresaw the impact of Khalil Mack in Chicago, odds are that streaming defenses with good matchups gets you enough production from this low-scoring slot.
Targeting a defense to stream is pretty simple in theory: look for opposing teams that give up sacks (weak offensive lines) and roll out erratic, inaccurate quarterbacks prone to interceptions. Which teams fit the bill? Cleveland (33), New York Giants (31), San Francisco (31) and Buffalo (29) lead the way in sacks allowed, while Tampa Bay (15), Buffalo (13) and San Francisco (10) complete too many passes to opposing defenses. I’d target any one of these franchises.
Even though Eli Manning has yielded only six picks, I believe that number could easily be higher, and given the aging veteran’s inability to move the offense, Giants brass may install Alex Tanney or rookie Kyle Lauletta (though problems off the field may interfere) under center at some point. Rookie QBs under duress are always a good thing for the defense. We also have to add Arizona to this list. If you’ve watched even one Cardinals game this year, you know why. In general, sacks indicate that the quarterback is under pressure, which should translate to errant passes and INTs.
Kansas City – @Cleveland (9), Arizona (10)
Carolina – Tampa Bay (9), @Tampa Bay (13), Cleveland (14)
Cincinnati – Cleveland (12), @ Cleveland (16)
New York Jets – Buffalo (10), @Buffalo (14)
Denver – @San Francisco (14), Cleveland (15)
Detroit – @Arizona (14), @Buffalo (15)
I’ve included just those teams with two or more optimal opponents. I’ve also excluded San Francisco and Atlanta simply because I don’t have enough confidence in their personnel at this point to recommend them. Keep in mind that Denver and Kansas City are tied for second in most NFL sacks, raising their streaming stock a little higher. The former has arguably the most playoff upside with great matchups in weeks 14 and 15.
Whether you are jockeying for fantasy playoff position, or stocking up for your playoff run, these assets could come in handy. You’ll have to weigh the value of the roster spot they would occupy. It’s a delicate balancing act, whether to keep those upside stashes and hold lotto tickets, or cut them loose for more immediately useful players. I have cut players such as Cameron Meredith, Tayler Gabriel, Chester Rogers and Martavis Bryant for other players or even DST units that are more playable right now.
If you own Courtland Sutton, I extend my congratulations. You just rolled a Yahtzee with the trade of Demaryius Thomas to Houston. This guy is going to be special. The only concern is Case Keenum delivering the ball.
Keep an eye on Terelle Pryor. Buffalo’s offense is anemic, but that could pave the way for Pryor to get some targets in short order, but don’t start the former Buckeye yet. Remember that Pryor tallied over 1,000 yards receiving with the Browns just two years ago.
Mitchell Trubisky has targeted Anthony Miller seven times two consecutive weeks. Andrew Luck has the Colts offensive machine churning and looked Dontrelle Inman’s way seven times last week. The former Charger’s playing time may be contingent on the health of Ryan Grant, but anyone involved in this high-powered offense deserves a look. Rashard Higgins returned to practice this week. In his absence, Antonio Callaway, Breshad Perriman, and Damion Ratley have left fans and fantasy owners wanting. Todd Haley is out as offensive coordinator, and it’s hard to say which direction the Browns offense will go under Freddie Kitchens’ watch. In any event, it’s fairly certain that Baker Mayfield will be facing a large deficit this afternoon, leading to high passing volume. Higgins had good chemistry with Mayfield before the injury and could emerge as the #3 passing option (behind Jarvis Landry and David Njoku) or possibly the #2 some weeks. I see him as a Hail Mary Flex play this week against the Chiefs and next week when Cleveland hosts the Atlanta Falcons.
Follow Greg @liquidhippo.
